Boosting your home’s value doesn’t have to mean a complete remodel. In fact, quite a few home improvement projects aren’t worth the effort if you’re hoping to quickly increase your home’s value.
However, there are plenty of do-it-yourself projects you can accomplish with a few weekends of hard work. And don’t let the letters D-I-Y scare you away from efforts toward increasing your home’s value. Successful DIY projects simply require thorough research and preparedness.
Here are a few DIY updates throughout your home that could increase its sale price.
Kitchen: Add adhesive backsplash tiles
You can find self-adhesive backsplash tiles in a variety of styles and colors. A DIY backsplash tile project is both easy to install and practically mess-free.
First, clean the walls with warm, soapy water. The tiles won’t stick as well if the wall surface is coated with grease or dirt.
Be sure to follow the exact instructions for the brand of adhesive tiles you’re working with. Generally, you’ll be instructed to install the tiles from left to right, completing the bottom row first.
If you’re working around any outlet plates, take them off. Be sure to leave a bit of space when placing the tiles around the edge of the outlet so you can get the wall plates back on again with ease. If you need to cut any tiles, a razor knife will take care of the job.
If you need to remove or reposition tiles, they will peel off with heat from a hair dryer.
Bonus idea: You don’t need to replace your current cabinets to get an updated feel. Try an all-paint, no-construction approach, or remove your cabinet doors completely to showcase what’s behind them.
Bedroom: Install crown molding
Enhance your bedroom’s style with nothing more than a few strips of wood. Installing crown molding may sound tough, but it actually doesn’t involve much more than picking up some molding (essentially, decorative strips of wood) from your local home improvement store, cutting it to size, and using a nail gun to attach it to the top of the wall.
A home improvement store can help you identify the exact tools you need, as well as cutting the molding to size.
Bonus idea: Install ceiling fans for added air circulation and lighting. You’ll both save on the electric bill by cutting A/C costs and gain a decorative element for the room.
Laundry room: Revamp and revitalize
Update your laundry room or closet by removing the builder-basic wire shelving and replacing it with more attractive wood shelving options or even cabinets.
Paint the closet, improve storage, and add decorative elements to make it a space you look forward to revisiting each week.
Bonus idea: Add an expandable rod between shelves for added air-drying space.
Garage: Clean and paint the floor
If your home is a few years old, chances are the floor of your garage and driveway may have a few stains.
Try blotting the stains with newspaper to soak up excess oil, then use liquid dishwashing soap, hot water, and a scrub brush to tackle the rest. Once finished, pour some kitty litter on the remaining stained areas to absorb any extra residue.
After cleaning the floor, consider filling any concrete cracks you see, then apply a specially formulated garage floor paint, which will help protect against oil and mildew.
Bonus idea: Install shelving or racks. You can use a pallet to store and organize sporting equipment and a pegboard to hang items like folding ladders and gardening tools.
Yard: Upgrade landscaping
You don’t need to start a garden to impress potential buyers. Add some greenery along walkways and patch up any bald spots you see with fresh sod. Be sure to trim and maintain trees and bushes, too.
Bonus idea: Use drought-friendly plants when updating your landscaping, and choose plants with a long lifecycle. Perennial plants are a good choice, as they come back year after year.
Other DIY quick fixes
- Clean your gutters.
- Power wash your sidewalks.
- Paint the front door.
- Change your light fixtures.
- Update your window treatments.
- Upgrade cabinet knobs and drawer handles.
While these tips for home DIY projects will get you started, don’t begin any project without additional research. From instructional DIY blogs to online video tutorials to classes at your neighborhood home improvement stores, there really are endless resources for you.
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